Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Alamo Canyon Campground sits nestled at the base of the Ajo mountains in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This primitive campground provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert, along with spectacular night sky viewing and peaceful quiet.
Alamo Canyon Campground has four campsites with charcoal grills, picnic tables, a pit toilet, and trash cans. It is tent camping only; RVs, motorhomes, and trailers are not permitted. Wood fires and ground fires are not allowed. Generators are prohibited.
Need to Know
Reservations are required. Campsites must be reserved before arriving at the campground. There is no cell service in the campground.
There is no water or electricity available at Alamo Canyon Campground. Cell service is very limited in the campground and along Alamo Canyon Road.
RVs, motorhomes, and trailers are not permitted.
Campsites are limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles per site. Each vehicle must be parked within the space provided.
Camping is by reservation only and in designated campsites only.
There is no road sign or turning lane along the highway for Alamo Canyon Road. Please drive carefully and defensively when entering and exiting the highway.
Check-out is 11:00 a.m, check-in is 1:00 pm.
Please note: If you arrive for your reservation before 11:00 AM, your site may still be occupied.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
There is a five (5) person maximum per site.
The maximum length of stay is 7 consecutive nights, and 7 total nights over a rolling 30 day period.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument charges an entrance fee separate from the camping fee. It is not necessary to check in at the visitor center before accessing your campsite as long as you pay your entrance fee in advance. You may also pay your entrance fee at the Kris Eggle visitor center, approximately 13 miles (21 km) south of the campground, along AZ HWY 85. The park also honors Interagency Passes (Annual, Senior, Access, 4th Grade, Military, etc.) For more details please visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.
It is your responsibility to check the current weather conditions before you arrive at the campground. Temperatures can range from 90° F (32° C) in the daytime to lows of 20° F (-6° C) at night. Temperatures may exceed 100° F (38° C) during late spring and summer.
It is not necessary to check in at the visitor center before accessing your campsite as long as you have paid your entrance fee. The visitor center is approximately 13 miles (21 km) south of the campground, along AZ HWY 85.
Natural Features
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. This is a showcase for creatures who have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and little rainfall that characterize this Southwest region. Thirty-one species of cacti have mastered the art of living in this place, including the park's namesake and the giant saguaro. Here, the life of the Sonoran Desert is protected and allowed to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions. The monument is an outstanding natural preserve where one of the Earth's major ecosystems survives almost unspoiled.
Nearby Attractions
- Lukeville Port of Entry to Mexico - approximately 18 miles (29 km) south of Alamo Canyon Campground following SR 85. Gas is available.
- Historic Ajo, AZ - approximately 26 miles (42 km) north of Alamo Canyon Campground following SR 85. Gas, restaurants, shops, an art gallery, and groceries are available.
Recreation
Along with photography and birding, hiking is ideal here. There is a .9 mile point to point trail that leads into Alamo Canyon from the campground. Beyond the campground there are miles of hiking trails laced around Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, some easy, others more strenuous. Always carry water and snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Stop at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for recommendations.
Contact Information
Mailing
10 Organ Pipe Drive Ajo AZ 85321
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 520-387-6849
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
There is no road sign along the highway for the Alamo Canyon Road
- Alamo Canyon Road is located at milepost 65.5 on the east side of AZ State Route 85, on the north side of the concrete bridge that crosses Alamo Wash. Alamo Canyon Campground is located at the end of the Alamo Canyon Road. The road is a three-mile graded dirt road suitable for most cars.
- From the North (Phoenix): take I-10 East to AZ SR 85 south. Or, take I-10 east to AZ SR 347 south, to AZ 238 west, to AZ SR 85 south.
- From the East (Tucson): take AZ SR 86 to Why, then turn left on AZ SR 85, heading south.
- From the West (Yuma/California): follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, to AZ SR 85 south.
- From the South (Sonoyta, Mexico): travel north towards Lukeville, AZ on Mexico Rt. 2. Once across the border into the United States, continue north onto AZ SR 85.
Available Campsites
- Site 1, Loop PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generators, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generators, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generators, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop PRIMITIVE-No water/electric/generators, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
